Flooding composition with polysiloxane

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a flooding composition. In an embodiment, the flooding composition includes in weight percent (wt %) based on the weight of the composition (A) from 20 wt % to 40 wt % of a polyolefin component comprising (i) a first amorphous polyolefin (APO), and (ii) a second APO different than the first APO. The flooding composition also includes (B) from 30 wt % to 60 wt % of a bio-based oil; and (C) from 15 wt % to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane.

BACKGROUND

Flooding compositions are materials designed to occupy void spaces intelecommunication cables, such as the void spaces typically found aroundand between buffer tubes commonly used in fiber optic cables.Additionally, flooding compositions can be used as filling materials tosuspend and protect optical fibers inside buffer tubes. Floodingcompositions are free-flowing at elevated temperatures (such as thosetemperatures used when filling a telecommunication cable), and readilygel at lower temperatures to avoid dripping at room temperature.Additionally, easy-to-clean and non-messy flooding compositions aredesirable for ease of installation and prevention of environmentalcontamination. Although advances have been made in the art of floodingcompounds, improvements are still desired.

Another important property of a flooding composition is itscompatibility with polymer materials used in cable constructions such aspolyolefin, i.e., low gel pickup for good property retention and cablelongevity. Current commercial flooding compounds are based on synthetichydrocarbons; they are messy, grease/wax-like materials that stick tosurfaces that come in contact with them. In case of a spill, they arenot environmentally friendly. The wire and cable industry has acontinuing interest in flooding compositions that exhibit reducedstickiness, reduced absorption into materials used in the manufacture ofcable components such as buffer tubes, jackets, etc., and moreenvironmental friendly.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a flooding composition. In anembodiment, the flooding composition includes in weight percent (wt %)based on the weight of the composition (A) from 20 wt % to 40 wt % of apolyolefin component comprising (i) a first amorphous polyolefin (APO),and (ii) a second APO different than the first APO. The floodingcomposition also includes (B) from 30 wt % to 60 wt % of a bio-basedoil; and (C) from 15 wt % to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a loose buffer tube fiber opticcable.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of anyreferenced patent, patent application or publication are incorporated byreference in their entirety (or its equivalent U.S. version is soincorporated by reference) especially with respect to the disclosure ofdefinitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitionsspecifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in theart.

Any reference to the Periodic Table of Elements is that as published byCRC Press, Inc., 1990-1991. Reference to a group of elements in thistable is by the new notation for numbering groups.

Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customaryin the art, all parts and percents are based on weight and all testmethods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

The numerical ranges in this disclosure include all values from, andincluding, the lower and upper value. For ranges containing explicitvalues (e.g., 1 or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7), any subrange between anytwo explicit values is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5to 6; etc.).

“Bio-based fluid” and like terms is a fluid derived from a biologicalsource, such as a plant, animal, bacteria, yeast, algae, and the like.Bio-based fluids can include a single bio-based fluid, i.e., a fluidderived from a single biological source, or a blend of two or morebio-based fluids, i.e., a fluid derived from two or more biologicalsources. Bio-based fluids are liquid under ambient conditions (23° C.and atmospheric pressure), or have a wax-like consistency under ambientconditions (23° C. and atmospheric pressure) and become liquid uponheating.

“Cable,” and “power cable” and like terms refer to at least one wire oroptical fiber within a sheath, e.g., an insulation covering or aprotective outer jacket. Typically, a cable is two or more wires oroptical fibers bound together, typically in a common insulation coveringand/or a protective jacket. The individual wires or fibers inside thesheath may be bare, covered or insulated. Combination cables may containboth electrical wires and optical fibers. The cable can be designed forlow, medium, and/or high voltage applications. Typical cable designs areillustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,783; 6,496,629 and 6,714,707.

“Composition” and like terms is a mixture or blend of two or morecomponents.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives,are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component,step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. Inorder to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of theterm “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, orcompound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary.In contrast, the term, “consisting essentially of” excludes from thescope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step, orprocedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. Theterm “consisting of” excludes any component, step, or procedure notspecifically delineated or listed. The term “or,” unless statedotherwise, refers to the listed members individually as well as in anycombination. Use of the singular includes use of the plural and viceversa.

“Ethylene-based polymer,” “polyethylene” and like terms refer to apolymer containing units derived from ethylene. Ethylene-based polymercontains more than 50 mole percent (mol %) units derived from ethylene.

An “olefin-based polymer,” or “polyolefin” is a polymer that contains amajority mole percent polymerized olefin monomer (based on total amountof polymerizable monomers), and optionally, may contain at least onecomonomer. Nonlimiting examples of olefin-based polymers includeethylene-based polymer and propylene-based polymer.

A “propylene-based polymer” is a polymer that contains more than 50 molepercent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the total amount ofpolymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least onecomonomer.

“Residue,” when referring to a monomer, refers to that portion of amonomer molecule which resides in a polymer molecule as a result ofbeing polymerized with another monomer or comonomer molecule to make thepolymer molecule.

“Wire” and like terms refers to a single strand of conductive metal,e.g., copper or aluminum, or a single strand of optical fiber.

Test Methods

Density

Density is determined according to ASTM D792 with results reported ingrams per cubic centimeter, (g/cc).

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (Crystallinity, Melting Point,Crystallization Temperature)

Differential Scanning calorimetry (“DSC”) is used to measurecrystallinity in the polymers (e.g., ethylene-based (PE) polymers).About 5 to 8 mg of polymer sample is weighed and placed in a DSC pan.The lid is crimped on the pan to ensure a closed atmosphere. The samplepan is placed in a DSC cell, and then heated, at a rate of approximately10° C./min, to a temperature of 180° C. for polyethylene (or “PE”) (230°C. for polypropylene or “PP”). The sample is kept at this temperaturefor three minutes. Then the sample is cooled at a rate of 10° C./min to−60° C. for PE (−40° C. for PP), and kept isothermally at thattemperature for three minutes. The sample is next heated at a rate of10° C./min, until complete melting (second heat). The percentcrystallinity is calculated by dividing the heat of fusion (H_(f)),determined from the second heat curve, by a theoretical heat of fusionof 292 J/g for PE (165 J/g, for PP), and multiplying this quantity by100 (for example, % cryst.=(H_(f)/292 J/g)×100 (for PE)).

Unless otherwise stated, melting point(s) (T_(m)) of each polymer isdetermined from the second heat curve (peak Tm), and the crystallizationtemperature (T_(c)) is determined from the first cooling curve (peakTc). Glass transition temperature, Tg, is determined from the DSCheating curve where half the sample has gained the liquid heat capacityas described in Bernhard Wunderlich, The Basis of Thermal Analysis, inThermal Characterization of Polymeric Materials 92, 278-279 (Edith A.Turi ed., 2d ed. 1997). Baselines are drawn from below and above theglass transition region and extrapolated through the Tg region. Thetemperature at which the sample heat capacity is half-way between thesebaselines is the Tg.

Drop Point

Drop point is determined according to ASTM D127 with results reported indegrees Celsius (° C.).

Flash point refers to the lowest temperature at which a volatile liquidcan vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air but will not continueto burn (compare to fire point). Flash point is measured in accordancewith ASTM D3278 with results reported in degrees Celsius (° C.).

Gel Permeation Chromatography

A high-temperature gel permeation chromatography (“GPC”) system isemployed, equipped with Robotic Assistant Deliver (“RAD”) system forsample preparation and sample injection. The concentration detector isan Infra-red detector (IR4) from Polymer Char Inc. (Valencia, Spain).Data collection is performed using Polymer Char DM 100 Data acquisitionbox. The carrier solvent is 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (“TCB”). The systemis equipped with an on-line solvent degas device from Agilent. Thecolumn compartment is operated at 150° C. The columns are four Mixed ALS 30-cm, 20-micron columns. The solvent is nitrogen-purged TCBcontaining approximately 200 ppm 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (“BHT”).The flow rate is 1.0 mL/min, and the injection volume is 200 microliters(μl). A 2 mg/mL sample concentration is prepared by dissolving thesample in nitrogen-purged and preheated TCB (containing 200 ppm BHT) for2.5 hours at 160° C. with gentle agitation.

The GPC column set is calibrated by running twenty narrow molecularweight distribution polystyrene (“PS”) standards. The molecular weight(“MW”) of the standards ranges from 580 to 8,400,000 g/mol, and thestandards are contained in six “cocktail” mixtures. Each standardmixture has at least a decade of separation between individual molecularweights. The equivalent polypropylene (“PP”) molecular weights of eachPS standard are calculated by using the following equation, withreported Mark-Houwink coefficients for polypropylene (Th. G. Scholte, N.L. J. Meijerink, H. M. Schoffeleers, and A. M. G. Brands, J. Appl.Polym. Sci., 29, 3763-3782 (1984)) and polystyrene (E. P. Otocka, R. J.Roe, N. Y. Hellman, P. M. Muglia, Macromolecules, 4, 507 (1971)):

$\begin{matrix}{{M_{PP} = \left( \frac{K_{PS}M_{PS}^{a_{PS} + 1}}{K_{PP}} \right)^{\frac{1}{a_{PP} + 1}}},} & \left( {{Eq}\mspace{14mu} 1} \right)\end{matrix}$

where M_(pp) is PP equivalent MW, M_(PS) is PS equivalent MW, log K anda values of Mark-Houwink coefficients for PP and PS are listed below.

Polymer α log K Polypropylene 0.725 −3.721 Polystyrene 0.702 −3.900

A logarithmic molecular weight calibration is generated using a fourthorder polynomial fit as a function of elution volume. Number average andweight average molecular weights are calculated according to thefollowing equations:

$\begin{matrix}{{M_{n} = \frac{\sum\limits^{i}{W\; f_{i}}}{\sum\limits^{i}\left( \frac{{Wf}_{i}}{M_{i}} \right)}},} & \left( {{Eq}\mspace{14mu} 2} \right)\end{matrix}$

$\begin{matrix}{{M_{w} = \frac{\sum\limits^{i}\left( {{Wf}_{i}*M_{i}} \right)}{\sum\limits^{i}\left( {Wf}_{i} \right)}},} & \left( {{Eq}\mspace{14mu} 3} \right)\end{matrix}$

where Wf_(i) and M_(i) are the weight fraction and molecular weight ofelution component i, respectively.

Melt Index

Melt index, or I₂, is measured in accordance with ASTM D1238, condition190° C./2.16 kg, and is reported in grams eluted per 10 minutes (g/10min). The I₁₀ is measured in accordance with ASTM D1238, condition 190°C./10 kg, and is reported in grams eluted per 10 minutes (g/10 min).

Melt Flow Rate

Melt flow rate (MFR) in g/10 min is measured in accordance with ASTMD1238 (230° C./2.16 kg).

Viscosity

Apparent viscosity for the flooding composition is determined accordingto ASTM D3236 at 150° C. and is reported in centipoise (cP). Kinematicviscosity can be calculated by using apparent viscosity divided by fluiddensity. Kinematic viscosity is reported in Stokes (St) or centiStokes(cSt).

Brookfield viscosity of polymer components (i.e., polyolefin elastomers)is determined in accordance with the following procedure using aBrookfield Laboratories DVII+Viscometer in disposable aluminum samplechambers. The spindle used is an SC-31 hot-melt spindle, suitable formeasuring viscosities in the range of from 10 to 100,000 centipoise (0.1to 1,000 grams/(cm·second)). A cutting blade is employed to cut samplesinto pieces small enough to fit into the 1-inch wide, 5-inches long(2.5-cm wide, 13-cm long) sample chamber. The sample is placed in thechamber, which is in turn inserted into a Brookfield Thermosel andlocked into place with bent needle-nose pliers. The sample chamber has anotch on the bottom that fits the bottom of the Brookfield Thermosel toensure that the chamber is not allowed to turn when the spindle isinserted and spinning. Based on the material to be tested, the sample isheated to a target temperature, typically 150° C., or 176° C., or 176.6°C., or 177° C., or 190° C. (other temperatures may be used), withadditional sample being added until the melted sample is about 1 inch(2.5 cm) below the top of the sample chamber. The viscometer apparatusis lowered and the spindle submerged into the sample chamber. Loweringis continued until brackets on the viscometer align on the Thermosel.The viscometer is turned on and set to a shear rate, which leads to atorque reading in the range of 30 to 60 percent. Readings are takenevery minute for about 15 minutes, or until the values stabilize, thenthe final reading is recorded.

Oil Separation

After mixing the samples as described above, 50 milliliters (ml) of themelted sample is poured into a shallow aluminum pan and the sample isallowed to cool and solidify. Any oil separation will be visible on thesurface after sitting for 24 hours at room temperature and the result isrecorded.

Pour point refers to the lowest temperature at which a liquid becomessemi-solid and loses its flow characteristics, or in other words, theminimum temperature at which a liquid will flow. Pour point is measuredin accordance with ASTM D97 with results reported in degrees Celsius (°C.).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a flooding composition. In anembodiment, the flooding composition includes (A) from 20 wt % to 40 wt% of a polyolefin component. The polyolefin component is composed of (i)a first amorphous polyolefin (APO) and (ii) a second amorphouspolyolefin (APO). The second APO is different than the first APO. Theflooding composition also includes (B) from 30 wt % to 60 wt % of abio-based oil. The flooding composition also includes (C) from 15 wt %to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane. The aggregate of components (A), (B), and(C) amount to 100 wt % of the flooding composition.

A. Amorphous Polyolefin

The present flooding composition includes a polyolefin componentcomposed of (i) a first amorphous polyolefin and (ii) a second amorphouspolyolefin. An “amorphous polyolefin” (or “APO”) is an ethylene-basedpolymer or a propylene-based polymer having a melt viscosity from 30centipoise (cP) to 50,000 cP at 190° C. and a glass transitiontemperature (Tg) from −80° C. to 0° C.

The first APO is different than the second APO. In other words, thefirst APO differs in one or more chemical properties and/or one or morephysical properties compared to the respective chemical property orphysical property of the second APO. Nonlimiting examples of propertieswhich may differ between the first APO and the second APO includecomposition, comonomer type, comonomer content, density, melt viscosity,Tg, softening point, and any combination thereof.

The present composition includes from 20 wt % to 40 wt % of thepolyolefin component, based on total weight of the flooding composition.In an embodiment, the present composition includes from 20 wt %, or 25wt %, or 30 wt % to 35 wt %, or 40 wt % of the polyolefin component.

Within the polyolefin component, the ratio of the first APO to thesecond APO is from 3:1 to 1:3, based on total weight of the polyolefincomponent. In an embodiment, the ratio of the first APO to the secondAPO is from 3:1, or 2:1, or 1:1 to 1:2, or 1:3.

In an embodiment, the first APO is an ethylene-based polymer. In afurther embodiment, the first APO is an APO ethylene/octene copolymerand has one, some, or all of the following properties:

(i) a density from 0.86 g/cc, or 0.87 g/cc, or 0.875 g/cc to 0.89 g/cc;and/or

(ii) a Brookfield viscosity at 176.6° C. from 5,000 cP, or 6,000 cP to6,700 cP, or 10,000 cP, or 13,000 cP, or 15,000 cP, or 17,000 cP, or19,000 cP, or 20,000 cP; and/or

(iii) a Tm from 65° C., or 68° C. to 70° C., or 72° C.; and/or

(iv) a Tg from −60° C., or −58° C. to −55° C., or −50° C., or −45° C.;and/or

(v) a Tc from 55° C., or 57° C. to 60° C.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable APO ethylene-based polymer includeAFFINTY GA 1875, AFFINITY GA 1900, AFFINITY GA 1950, and AFFINITY GA1000R available from The Dow Chemical Company.

In an embodiment, the second APO is a propylene-based polymer, such as apropylene/ethylene copolymer or a propylene homopolymer. In a furtherembodiment, the second APO propylene-based polymer is an APOpropylene/ethylene copolymer having one, some, or all of the followingproperties:

(i) a Brookfield viscosity at 190° C. from 200 cP, or 300 cP, or 500 cP,or 1,000 cP to 1,500 cP, or 3,000 cP, or 5,000 cP, or 7,500 cP, or10,000 cP to 13,000 cP, or 15,000 cP, or 18,000 cP, or 20,000 cP; and/or

(ii) a Ring and Ball softening point from 120° C., or 125° C., or 130°C. to 135° C., or 140° C., or 145° C.; and/or

(iii) a Tg from −40° C., or −35° C., or −30° C. to −25° C., or −20° C.,or −15° C.; and/or

(iv) a Tc from 90° C., or 93° C. to 95° C.

In an embodiment, the second APO is an APO propylene homopolymer. TheAPO propylene homopolymer has one, some, or all of the followingproperties:

(i) a Brookfield viscosity at 190° C. from 500 cP, or 1,000 cP, or 1,500cP to 2,000 cP, or 2,500 cP, or 3,000 cP; and/or

(ii) a Ring and Ball softening point from 150° C., or 155° C. to 160°C.; and/or

(iii) a Tg from −15° C., or −10° C. to −5° C.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable propylene-based APOs are EASTOFLEX™amorphous polyolefins available from Eastman Chemical Company.

In an embodiment, the first APO is an ethylene-based APO and the secondAPO is a propylene-based APO.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition and/or the polyolefincomponent are/is void of, or are/is otherwise free of, butene. Theflooding composition and/or the polyolefin component are/is void of, orare/is otherwise free of, polybutene, and/or polyisobutylene, forexample.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition and/or the polyolefincomponent are/is void of, or are/is otherwise free of, styrene or acomposition containing a styrenic-based moiety. The flooding compositionand/or the polyolefin component are/is void of, or are/is otherwise freeof, styrenic block copolymers, for example.

In an embodiment, the polyolefin component consists of amorphouspolyolefin composed only of, or otherwise composed solely of, (i)propylene monomer and (ii) ethylene monomer.

In an embodiment, the polyolefin component (i.e., the first APO and thesecond APO) is the sole polyolefin present in the flooding composition.In other words the polyolefin component (with two different APOs) ispresent in the flooding composition to the exclusion of otherpolyolefins.

B. Bio-Based Fluid

The present flooding composition also includes a bio-based fluid (alsoreferred to as an oil). The oil may be a vegetable oil, apetroleum-based oil, a polyα-olefin oil, and combinations thereof.Nonlimiting examples of suitable vegetable oil include coconut oil, cornoil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil (of which canola oil is one variety),olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), sunflower oil, mustard oil and algae oil.

In an embodiment, the bio-based fluid is soybean oil. The soybean oilhas one, some, or all of the following properties:

(i) a viscosity (kinematic) from 30 cSt, or 32 cSt to 35 cSt at 40° C.;and/or

(ii) a flash point from 280° C., or 288° C. to 290° C.; and/or

(iii) a pour point from −16° C., or −14° C. to −12° C.

In an embodiment, the soybean oil is an epoxidized soybean oil (“ESO”)The ESO has one, some, or all of the following properties:

(i) a density from 0.930 g/cc, or 0.933 g/cc to 0.94 g/cc; and/or

(ii) a viscosity (kinematic) from 4.0 stokes, or 4.2 stokes to 4.5stokes at 25° C.; and/or

(iii) a molecular number (Mn) from 800, or 1,000 to 1,200; and/or

(iv) an oxirane oxygen value of at least 7%.

In an embodiment, the bio-based fluid is selected from canola oil,soybean oil (which may or may not be ESO), and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the oil is a petroleum-based oil. Nonlimiting examplesof suitable petroleum-based oil include mineral oils (e.g., paraffinicoils, naphthenic oils, and aromatic oils) and low-molecular-weightpolyolefin oils (e.g., polybutene oil). In an embodiment, thehydrocarbon oil is a paraffinic oil.

A nonlimiting example of a suitable commercially available hydrocarbonoil is SUNPAR™ 110, which has a kinematic viscosity of 21.2 cSt at 40°C., available from Sunoco Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.

In an embodiment, the oil is a polyα-olefin oil. A “polyα-olefin oil”(“PAO oil”) is a synthetic compound produced by polymerizing at leastone α-olefin and is a liquid at 22° C. and 1 atmosphere of pressure. Theα-olefin may be any α-olefin disclosed herein, such as C₂, C₆, C₈, C₁₀,C₁₂, C₁₄, and C₂₀ α-olefins. These are PAO oils known in the art offlooding compositions. Typical examples of PAO oils include hydrogenateddec-1-ene homopolymer (e.g., DURASYN™ 180I and DURASYN™ 180R, availablefrom INEOS) and hydrogenated 1-tetradecene polymer with 1-dodecene(e.g., DURASYN™ 126, available from INEOS).

C. Polysiloxane

The present composition includes a polysiloxane. A “polysiloxane,” asused herein, is an organosilicon compound with two or more Si—O—Silinkages. The polysiloxane may be (i) a polydimethylsiloxne (or “PDMS”),(ii) a hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (or “PDMS-OH”), and(iii) a combination of (i) and (ii).

In an embodiment, the polysiloxane is polydimethylsiloxane, hereafterinterchangeably referred to as “PDMS.” Polydimethylsiloxane has theStructure (1) below Structure (1)

wherein n is from 1, or 2, or 10, or 100, or 1,000 to 10,000, or 50,000,or 100,000.

In an embodiment, the PDMS has one, some, or all of the followingproperties:

(i) a number average molecular weight (Mn) from 1,000, or 2,000, or3,000, or 3,200 to 3,500, or 4,000, or 5,000, or 7,000, or 10,000;and/or

(ii) a viscosity (kinematic) at 25° C. from 20 cSt, or 30 cSt, or 40cSt, or 50 cSt to 60 cSt, or 70 cSt.

Mn is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosity ismeasured using a BROOKFIELD viscometer (Model LVF, Spindle No. 4 at 12revolutions per minute (rpm)), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,041.

A nonlimiting example of suitable PDMS includes, PMX 200 available fromDow Corning.

In an embodiment, the present flooding composition includes ahydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. A “hydroxyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane” (or “PDMS-OH”) is a PDMS with terminal hydroxylgroups as shown in Structure 2 below:

Structure (2)

wherein n is from 1, or 2, or 10, or 100, or 1,000 to 10,000, or 50,000,or 100,000.

In an embodiment, the PDMS-OH has one, some, or all of the followingproperties:

(i) a number average molecular weight (Mn) from 2,500, or 2,500 to3,000, or 3,500, or 4,000; and/or

(ii) a viscosity (kinematic) at 25° C. from 50 cSt, or 60 cSt, or 70cSt, or 72 cSt to 80 cSt, or 90 cSt; and/or

(iii) a hydroxyl group content in weight percent (wt %) based on theweight of the OH-PDMS from greater than 0 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt%, or 0.07 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 1.5 wt % to 2.0 wt %, or 2.5 wt %.

Mn is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosity ismeasured using a BROOKFIELD viscometer (Model LVF, Spindle No. 4 at 12revolutions per minute (rpm)), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,041.Hydroxyl group content is measured by ¹H NMR spectroscopy or otheranalytical techniques, similar to the approaches used in MalaysianPolymer Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2, p 52-61, 2009 and European PolymerJournal, Vol. 49, 228-234 (2013).

Nonlimiting examples of suitable PDMS-OH include, PMX-0156 from DowCorning, and Q3563 from Dow Corning.

D. Catalyst

The present flooding composition may include an optional catalyst. Whenpresent, the catalyst crosslinks the PDMS-OH by way of silanolcondensation. Bounded by no particular theory, it is believed that thecrosslinked PDMS-OH component, increases the melt viscosity of the finalflooding composition, improves stability of the flooding composition,increases the drop point temperature, and reduces oil separation.

The catalyst may be added to the PDMS-OH prior to addition of thePDMS-OH to the other components. Alternatively, the catalyst and thePDMS-OH may be added simultaneously with the other components—namely thepolyolefin component and the bio-based oil.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable catalysts include metal carboxylates,such as dibutyltin dilaurate, stannous octoate, stannous acetate, leadnaphthenate and zinc octoate; organic metal compounds, such as titaniumesters and chelates such as tetrabutyl titanate; organic bases, such asethylamine, hexylamine and piperidine; and acids, such as mineral acidsand fatty acids, and aromatic sulphonic acids.

In an embodiment, the catalyst is an organic tin compound such asdibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyl dimethoxy tin, dibutyltin bis(2,4-pentanedionate), or stannous octoate. Examples of suitablecommercial catalysts in masterbatch form include, without limitation,DFDB 5480NT (a tin catalyst system), DFDA 5488NT (a fast ambient curecatalyst masterbatch) from The Dow Chemical Company, or the BorealisAMBICAT™ system LE 4476.

In an embodiment, the catalyst is an aromatic sulphonic acid. Anonlimiting example of a suitable aromatic sulphonic acid is Aristonic®acid available from Pilot Chemical Holdings, Inc.

When the catalyst is present, the flooding composition contains from0.05 wt %. or 0.1 wt %, or 0.15 wt % to 0.2 wt %, or 0.25 wt %, or 0.3wt %, of the catalyst, based on total weight of the floodingcomposition. Curing of the flooding composition, crosslinks the PDMS-OH,thereby increasing the viscosity of the flooding composition.

E. Additives

In an embodiment the flooding composition can optionally include one ormore additives selected such as, but not limited to, antioxidants,rheology modifiers (e.g., thixotropic agents), thickening agents,stabilizers (e.g., UV stabilizers), mineral fillers, polymer fillers,and combinations thereof.

Antioxidants, when employed, can be present in any conventional amount,such as an amount ranging from 0.01 to 1 wt %, or from 0.01 to 0.3 wt %,based on the total weight of the flooding composition. Suitableantioxidants include, but are not limited to, hindered phenols such astetrakis[methylene(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate)] methane;bis[(beta-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)methylcarboxyethyl)]-sulphide,4,4′-thiobis(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol),2,2′-thiobis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), and thiodiethylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy)-hydrocinnamate; phosphites andphosphonites such as tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite anddi-tert-butylphenyl-phosphonite; thio compounds such asdilaurylthiodipropionate, dimyristylthiodipropionate, anddistearylthiodipropionate; various siloxanes; polymerized2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline,n,n′-bis(1,4-dimethylpentyl-p-phenylenediamine), alkylateddiphenylamines, 4,4′-bis(alpha, alpha-dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine,diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, mixed di-aryl-p-phenylenediamines, andother hindered amine anti-degradants or stabilizers. In an embodiment,the antioxidant is [3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate],commercially available as IRGANOX™ 1035 or Irganox 1010 from BASF.

Thixotropic agents, when employed, can be present in any conventionalamount, such as an amount ranging from greater than 0 to 5 wt %, or 6 wt%, based on the total weight of the flooding composition. An example ofa suitable thixotropic agent includes, but is not limited to, fumedsilica. Suitable commercial thixotropic agents include, but are notlimited to, AEROSIL™ products from Evonik Corp. BYK Industries andKusumoto Chemicals also supply suitable commercial thixotropic agents.

Nonlimiting examples of thickening agent, when employed, include Kraton™polymer such as SEP(S), SBS, SEBS copolymers.

Nonlimiting examples of fillers, when employed, include inorganicfillers such as silica, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition is free of, or issubstantially free of, thixotropic agents. As used herein, the term“substantially free” shall mean a concentration of less than 10 partsper million by weight based on the total weight of the floodingcomposition.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition includes one or more fillers.Such fillers include, but are not limited to, hollow microspheres (e.g.,glass or polymeric), mineral inorganic compounds, polymeric fillers, andthe like. When employed, fillers can be present in any conventionalamount, such as an amount ranging from greater than 0 up to 60 wt %.

F. Flooding Composition

The flooding composition is prepared by compounding the polyolefincomponent, the bio-based oil, the polysiloxane and the catalyst (whenpresent). For instance, the polyolefin component, the bio-based fluid,and the polysiloxane and any optional additives can be compounded in aliquid operational mixer with temperature control. For instance, theingredients can be compounded in a batch or continuous mixer. Suitablebatch mixers include, but are not limited to, Banbury™, Silverson™,Dynamix™ tank mixers and agitators, and Littleford™ batch mixers.Continuous mixers include twin and single-screw extruders, Farrel™mixers, and Buss™ co-kneaders.

The above-described polyolefin component is present in the floodingcompound in an amount ranging from 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt % to 35wt %, or 40 wt % based on the total weight of the flooding component.Within the aforementioned polyolefin component weight percent range, theratio of the first APO to the second APO is from 3:1 to 1:3. The APOratio is based on total weight of the polyolefin component. In anembodiment, the ratio of the first APO to the second APO is from 3:1, or2.5:1, or 2:1, or 1.5:1, or 1:1 to 1:1.5, or 1:2, or 1:2.5, or 1:3.

The above-described bio-based fluid is present in the floodingcomposition in an amount ranging from 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt %,or 45 wt % to 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, based on the total weightof the flooding composition.

The above-described polysiloxane is present in the flooding compositionin an amount ranging from 15 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 25 wt % to 30 wt %, or35 wt %, or 40 wt %, based on total weight of the flooding composition.

The above-described catalyst (when present) is present in the floodingcomposition in an amount ranging from 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt % to 0.15 wt%, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.25 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, of the catalyst, based ontotal weight of the flooding composition.

The resulting flooding composition has an apparent viscosity from 200cP, or 300 cP, or 400 cP, or 500 cP, or 750 cP, or 900 cP to 1,000 cP,or 1,100 cP, or 1,200 cP, or 1,300 cP, or 1,400 cP, or 1,500 cP, or1,600 cP, or 1,700 cP, or 1,800 cP, as measured at 150° C. in accordancewith ASTM D3236.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition has a drop point greater thanor equal to 90° C. In a further embodiment, the flooding composition hasa drop point from 90° C., or 95° C., or 100° C., or 110° C., or 120° C.,or 130° C. to 140° C., or 150° C., or 160° C., or 170° C., or 180° C.Drop point is determined according to ASTM D127.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition has an oil separation whenaged for 24 hours at 21° C. of less than 0.1, or less than 0.05, or lessthan 0.01. In a further embodiment, the flooding composition has an oilseparation when aged for 24 hours at 21° C. from 0, or greater than 0,or 0.01 to 0.05, or less than 0.1. In yet a further embodiment, theflooding composition has no (i.e., 0) oil separation when aged for 24hours at 21° C. Oil separation is determined according to ASTM D1742.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition contains:

(A) from 20 wt % to 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % of the polyolefincomponent composed of the blend of the first APO and the second APO;

(B) from 30 wt %, or 40 wt % to 50 wt %, or 55 wt % of a bio-based fluidselected from soybean oil or canola oil;

(C) from 15 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 25 wt % to 30 wt %, or 35 wt % of aPDMS;

wherein the aggregate of components (A), (B), and (C) amount to 100 wt %of the flooding composition; and the flooding composition has one, some,or all of the following properties:

(i) an apparent viscosity (at 150° C.) from 200 cP, or 250 cP, or 500cP, or 750 cP to 1,000 cP, or 1,250 cP, or 1,300 cP, or 1,350 cP; and/or

(ii) a drop point from 90° C., or 100° C., or 110° C. to 120° C., or130° C., or 140° C., or 150° C.; and/or

(iii) an oil separation when aged for 24 hours at 21° C. from 0 to 0.01,or less than 0.1, and hereafter referred to as Compound1.

In an embodiment, the Compound1 polyolefin component contains from 15 wt% to 20 wt % of the first APO that is an APO ethylene-based polymer andfrom 15 wt % to 20 wt % of the second APO that is an APO propylene-basedpolymer, wherein weight percent is based on total weight of Compound1.In a further embodiment, the ratio of the APO ethylene-based polymer tothe APO propylene-based polymer is 1:1, based on total weight of thepolyolefin component.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition contains:

(A) from 20 wt % to 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % of the polyolefincomponent composed of the blend of the first APO and the second APO;

(B) from 30 wt %, or 40 wt % to 50 wt %, or 55 wt % of a bio-based fluidselected from soybean oil or canola oil;

(C) from 30 wt %, or 35 wt % to 40 wt % of a PDMS-OH;

wherein the aggregate of components (A), (B), and (C) amount to 100 wt %of the flooding composition; and the flooding composition has one, some,or all of the following properties:

(i) an apparent viscosity (at 150° C.) from 400 cP, or 450 cP to 475 cP,or 500 cP; and/or

(ii) a drop point from greater than 90° C., or greater than 100° C., orgreater than 110° C. to 120° C., or 130° C., or 140° C., or 150° C.;and/or

(iii) an oil separation when aged for 24 hours at 21° C. from 0 to 0.01,or less than 0.1; and hereafter referred to as Compound2.

In an embodiment, the Compound2 polyolefin component contains from 15 wt% to 20 wt % of the first APO that is an APO ethylene-based polymer andfrom 15 wt % to 20 wt % of the second APO that is an APO propylene-basedpolymer, wherein weight percent is based on total weight of Compound2.In a further embodiment, the ratio of the APO ethylene-based polymer tothe APO propylene-based polymer is 1:1, based on total weight of thepolyolefin component.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition contains:

(A) from 20 wt % to 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % of the polyolefincomponent composed of the blend of the first APO and the second APO;

(B) from 20 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 40 wt % to 50 wt %, or 55 wt % of abio-based fluid selected from soybean oil or canola oil;

(C) from 30 wt %, or 35 wt % to 40 wt % of a PDMS-OH;

(D) from 0.1 wt % to 0.15 wt %, or 0.2 wt % catalyst;

wherein the aggregate of components (A), (B), (C) and (D) amount to 100wt % of the flooding composition;

and the flooding composition has one, some, or all of the followingproperties:

(i) an apparent viscosity (at 150° C.) from 350 cP, or 400 cP, or 500 cPto 750 cP, or 1,000 cP, or 1,500 cP, or 2,000 cP; and/or

(ii) a drop point from 90° C., or 100° C., or 110° C. to 120° C., or130° C., or 140° C., or 150° C., or 160° C., or 170° C.; and/or

(iii) an oil separation when aged for 24 hours at 21° C. from 0 to 0.01,or less than 0.1; and hereafter referred to as Compound3.

In an embodiment, the Compound3 polyolefin component contains from 15 wt% to 20 wt % of the first APO that is an APO ethylene-based polymer andfrom 15 wt % to 20 wt % of the second APO that is an APO propylene-basedpolymer, wherein weight percent is based on total weight of Compound3.In a further embodiment, the ratio of the APO ethylene-based polymer tothe APO propylene-based polymer is 1:1, based on total weight of thepolyolefin component.

In an embodiment, the flooding composition contains:

(A) from 20 wt % to 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % of the polyolefincomponent composed of the blend of the first APO and the second APO;

(B) from 20 wt %, or 30 wt % to 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, of a bio-basedfluid selected from soybean oil or canola oil;

(Ci) from 1 wt %, or 3 wt % to 5 wt %, or 7 wt % of a PDMS-OH;

(Cii) from 20 wt %, or 25 wt % to 30 wt %, or 35 wt % of a PDMS;

(D) from 0.1 wt % to 0.15 wt %, or 0.2 wt % catalyst;

wherein the aggregate of components (A), (B), (C) and (D) amount to 100wt % of the flooding composition;

and the flooding composition has one, some, or all of the followingproperties:

(i) an apparent viscosity (at 150° C.) from 700 cP, or 750 cP to 800 cP;and/or

(ii) a drop point from 90° C., or 100° C., or 110° C. to 120° C., or130° C., or 140° C., or 150° C.; and/or

(iii) an oil separation when aged for 24 hours at 21° C. from 0 to 0.01,or less than 0.1; and hereafter referred to as Compound4.

In an embodiment, the Compound4 polyolefin component contains from 15 wt% to 20 wt % of the first APO that is an APO ethylene-based polymer andfrom 15 wt % to 20 wt % of the second APO that is an APO propylene-basedpolymer, wherein weight percent is based on total weight of Compound4.In a further embodiment, the ratio of the APO ethylene-based polymer tothe APO propylene-based polymer is 1:1, based on total weight of thepolyolefin component.

G. Fiber Optic Cable

In an embodiment, a fiber optic cable, also known as an optical fibercable, can be prepared that comprises at least one optical fiber, aplurality of buffer tubes, and the above-described flooding composition.

A cross-sectional view of a common loose-buffer-tube optical fiber cableis shown in FIG. 1. In this design of optical fiber cable 1, buffertubes 2 are positioned radially around a central strength member 4, witha helical rotation to the tubes in the axial length. The helicalrotation allows bending of the cable without significantly stretchingthe tube or the optic fibers 6.

If a reduced number of buffer tubes is required, then foamed filler rodscan be used as low-cost spacers to occupy one or more empty buffer tubepositions 10 to maintain cable geometry. The cable jacket 14 cangenerally be fabricated from a polyethylene-based material.

The above-described flooding composition can be used to fill the voidspaces 8 surrounding optic fibers 6 within buffer tubes 2. Additionally,the flooding composition can be used to fill void spaces surrounding andbetween the buffer tubes 2, but within the cable jacket 14. The floodingcomposition provides the suspension and protection needed in theimmediate environment surrounding the fibers, including eliminating airspace. The flooding composition also provides a barrier against waterpenetration, which is detrimental to optic transmission performance.

Many other buffer tube cable designs are possible. The size andmaterials of construction for the central strength and tensile member,the dimensions and number of buffer tubes, and the use of metallicarmors and multiple layers of jacketing material are among the designelements. Such designs that incorporate a flooding composition arecontemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the buffer tubes are formed from polypropylenecopolymer (cPP) (such as ESCORENE™ 7132, an impact copolymer availablefrom Exxon Chemical Company).

In an embodiment, the cable jacket is formed from a high densitypolyethylene (HDPE) (such as DGDA-6318BK, available from The DowChemical Company, having a density of 0.954 g/cm³). A “high densitypolyethylene” (or “HDPE”) is an ethylene-based polymer having a densityof at least 0.94 g/cc, or from at least 0.94 g/cc to 0.98 g/cc. The HDPEhas a melt index from 0.1 g/10 min to 25 g/10 min, measured inaccordance with ASTM D1238, condition 190° C./2.16 kg.

An optical fiber cable, such as those described above, can typically bemade in a series of sequential manufacturing steps. Optical transmissionfibers are generally manufactured in the initial step. The fibers canhave a polymeric coating for mechanical protection. These fibers can beassembled into bundles or ribbon cable configurations or can be directlyincorporated into the cable fabrication.

Optical protective components can be manufactured using an extrusionfabrication process. Typically, a single screw plasticating extruderdischarges a fluxed and mixed polymer under pressure into a wire andcable cross-head. The cross-head turns the melt flow perpendicular tothe extruder and shapes the flow into the molten component. For bufferand core tubes, one or more optic fibers or fiber assemblies andflooding composition are fed into the back of the cross-head and exitthe cross-head within the molten tube that is then cooled and solidifiedin a water trough system. This component is eventually collected as afinished component on a take-up reel.

To fabricate components made from two or more material layers, theretypically would be separate plasticating extruders feeding the meltcompositions into a multi-layer cross-head where it is shaped into thedesired multi-layer construction.

Slotted core members and other profile extrusion components aretypically extruded in a similar profile extrusion process incorporatingan appropriate shaping die, and then subsequently combined with theoptical fiber components to fabricate the finished cable.

To control excess fiber length, a tensioning system is used to feed thefiber components into the tube fabrication process. In addition,component materials selection, the tube extrusion and cross-headequipment, and processing conditions are optimized to provide a finishedcomponent where post extrusion shrinkage does not result in excessiveslack in the optic fiber components.

The extruded optical protective components, along with other componentssuch as central components, armors, wraps, are then subsequentlyprocessed in one or more steps to produce the finished cableconstruction. This typically includes processing on a cabling line wherethe components are assembled with a fabricating extruder/crosshead thenused to apply the polymeric jacketing.

By way of example, and not limitation, some embodiments of the presentdisclosure will now be described in detail in the following Examples.

EXAMPLES

Materials used in the comparative samples (CS) and in the inventiveexamples (IE) are provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Materials and Properties Component Specification/PropertiesSource AFFINITY ™ GA 1875 ethylene/1-octene copolymer The Dow APOethylene-based crystallinity = 21.7 wt % Chemical polymer BrookfieldViscosity = 6,700 cP Company (1^(st) APO) (@176.6° C.) M_(n) = 7,210 C₂wt % = 63.7 wt % density = 0.870 g/cc T_(g) = −57° C. T_(m) = 70° C.EASTOFLEX ™ P1010 amorphous propylene Eastman APO propylene homopolymer(hPP) homopolymer Brookfield Viscosity = 1,000 cP (2^(nd) APO) (@190°C.) Ring and Ball softening point 155° C. T_(g) = −10° C. PMX-0156Silanol fluid Mn = 3500 g/mol Dow (also known as Q3563) Flash point117.7° C. (closed cup) Corning PDMS-OH Relative density = 0.975 g/ccBrookfield Viscosity at 25° C. = 72 cSt Hydroxyl ≤2.5% PMX 200 Viscosity50 cSt at 25° C. Dow PDMS oil Flash point >326° C. open cup Corning Pourpoint −65° C. Mn = 3200 Density 0.96 g/cc Soybean oil (SO) Viscosity is32 cSt at 40° C. Cargill (bio-based oil) Flash point is 288° C. Pourpoint is −14° C. Total unsaturated fatty acids about 81% Canola oilCanola oil Bio-based oil Viscosity 42 cSt at 40° C. Flash pt 315° C. 88%unsaturated fatty acids Aristonic Acid Aromatic sulphonic acid catalystPilot Flash pt >113° C. (closed cup) Chemical Pour pt 28° C. Viscosity13.9 cSt at 50° C.1. Flooding Compositions with No Catalyst

The 1^(st) APO and the 2^(nd) APO are heated and melted in steel paintcans on hot plate equipped with a three blade overhead lab stirrer. The1^(st) APO and the 2^(nd) APO are heated to 160-170° C. while stirringand then allowed to cool to 100° C. The bio-based oil is then added tothe mixture along with the polysiloxane while stirring. The mixture isthen heated to 180-190° C. for 15 minutes while stirring.

Properties of comparative samples (CS) and inventive examples (IE) areshown in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Component¹ IE8 IE9 CS10 CS11 CS12 CS13 IE10 CS14 CS15 CS16 IE11CS17 CS18 CS19 CS20 CS21 CS22 AFFINITY ™ 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 10 20 1020 5 15 10 20 10 30 GA 1875 EASTOFLEX ™ 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 10 20 10 2015 5 20 10 30 10 P1010 SO 25 30 55 45 25 35 35 45 45 35 35 25 25 CanolaOil 35 35 20 20 PMX-0156 35 50 (PDMS-OH) PMX 200 35 50 45 40 15 35 35 4525 35 35 35 35 35 35 (PDMS)) Total (wt %) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Brookfield 740 478 14503407 >990 875 245 260 1710 205 1310 155 130 260 400 880 viscosity at150° C. (cP)² Drop Point 140 140 120 140 (° C.)⁵ Consistency³ P P P POil N N N N Separation⁴ CS = Comparative Sample IE = Inventive Example¹Component amounts are wt % based on total weight composition. ²Apparentviscosity of the composition is measured in accordance with ASTM D3236at 150° C. (1 cps = 1 cP). ³Consistency of the composition is visuallydetermined while the composition is at 21° C. P = Paste. S = Solid. W =Waxy. H = Hard. ⁴Oil separation is measured after aging for 24 hours at21° C. according to ASTM D1742. Y = Yes. S = Slight. VS = Very Slight. N= None. O = Oil Separation. ⁵Drop Point (° C.) is measured in accordanceASTM D127.2. Flooding Compositions with Catalyst

The Aristonic acid catalyst is mixed into the polysiloxane fluid at roomtemperature for about 5 minutes using a three bladed lab stirrer toensure even distribution before reacting.

The 1^(st) APO and the 2^(nd) APO are heated and melted in steel paintcans on hot plate equipped with a three blade overhead lab stirrer. The1^(st) APO and the 2^(nd) APO are heated to 160-170° C. while stirringand then allowed to cool to 100° C. The bio-based oil is then added tothe mixture along with the along with the polysiloxane fluid/catalystmixture while stirring. The mixture is then heated to 180-190° C. for 15minutes while stirring.

Properties of comparative samples (CS) and inventive examples (IE) areshown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Component¹ IE1 CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 IE2 CS5 CS6 IE3 IE4 IE5 IE6 IE7CS7 CS8 CS9 AFFINITY ™ 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 14.85 14.85 14.8515 GA 1875 EASTOFLEX ™ 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 P1010SO 35 5 10 20 35 20 34.85 35 20 50 PMX-0156 35 70 50 35 5 70 50 20 5 10099.85 (PDMS-OH) PMX 200 35 70 65 60 50 29.85 64.85 (PDMS) Aristonic 0.150.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Acid Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Brookfield 1120 45 280 600 1390509 >90511 2906 710 760 1700 863 371 245 954 viscosity at 150° C. (cP)²Drop Point 130 100 160 140 170 90 120 (° C.)⁵ Consistency³ P P P P P P POil N O O O O N O O N N N N N O N/A N/A Separation⁴ Brookfield 10.6 4010Viscosity at 100° C. (cP) CS = Comparative Sample IE = Inventive Example¹Component amounts are wt % based on total weight composition. ²Apparentviscosity of the composition is measured in accordance with ASTM D3236at 150° C. (1 cps = 1 cP). ³Consistency of the composition is visuallydetermined while the composition is at 21° C. P = Paste. S = Solid. W =Waxy. H = Hard. ⁴Oil separation is measured after aging for 24 hours at21° C. according to ASTM D1742. Y = Yes. S = Slight. VS = Very Slight. N= None. O = Oil Separation. ⁵Drop Point (° C.) is measured in accordanceASTM D127.

CS8 and CS9 are comparative samples showing the effect the catalyst hason the viscosity of the silanol fluid. The catalyst containing silanolfluids in CS8 and CS9 are made by mixing the catalyst into the silanolfluid at room temperature first and then heating to 180-190° C. for 15minutes while stirring.

CS1 and CS5 show that when 70 wt % PMX200 polydimethylsiloxane or 70 wt% PDMS-OH oil is used without soybean oil the result is a product withoil separated from the polymer and no stable gel is formed. Oilseparation also occurs with samples containing 5, 10 and 20 wt % soybeanoil (samples CS2,CS3,CS4). However, with 35 wt % soybean oil and 35 wt %PDMS in IE1 a stable gel is formed (i.e., no oil separation in IE1). Astable gel can also be formed if PDMS-OH (PMX-0156) is used at 35 wt %in combination with 35 wt % soybean oil instead of the PMX-200 PDMS asshown with IE2 (i.e., no oil separation in IE2). IE5 shows that theresults can change to a stable gel (no oil separation) by the additionof the catalyst (aristonic acid) when comparing to CS1 and CS5 (oilseparation observed).

CS6 also shows oil separation at similar levels of soybean oil andpolysiloxane as CS4. IE6 shows that the results change to a stable gelby the addition of the catalyst (aristonic acid) when comparing IE6 toCS6 and CS4. Although both IE2 and IE3 form stable gels the results ofIE3 show that the drop point is improved by the addition of thecatalyst.

IE4 shows that a combination of the two different polysiloxanes can beused with 35 wt % soybean oil and produce a stable gel.

IE6 and IE7 show that different ranges of soybean oil and PDMS-OH canproduce stable gels. CS7 with 70 wt % total polysiloxane shows similaroil separation results as CS1. The last two samples CS8 and CS9 arecomparative examples showing the effect the catalyst has on theviscosity of the silanol fluid which is seen in dramatic increase insample CS9. The CS9 sample is made by mixing the catalyst into thepolysiloxane fluid at room temperature first and then heating to180-190° C. and holding at that temperature for 15 minutes whilestirring.

It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limitedto the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but includemodified forms of those embodiments including portions of theembodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments ascome within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flooding composition comprising in weightpercent (wt %) based on the weight of the composition: (A) from 20 wt %to 40 wt % of a polyolefin component comprising (i) a first amorphouspolyolefin (APO), and (ii) a second APO different than the first APO;(B) from 30 wt % to 60 wt % of a bio-based oil; and (C) from 15 wt % to45 wt % of a polysiloxane.
 2. The flooding composition of claim 1wherein the first APO is an ethylene-based polymer and the second APO isa propylene-based polymer.
 3. The flooding composition of claim 2wherein the ratio of the first APO to the second APO is from 3:1 to 1:3based on total weight of the polyolefin component.
 4. The floodingcomposition of claim 1 wherein the bio-based oil is selected from thegroup consisting of soybean oil, canola oil, and combinations thereof.5. The flooding composition of claim 1 wherein the polysiloxane isselected from the group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane,hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, and combinations thereof. 6.The flooding composition of claim 1 wherein the flooding composition hasan apparent viscosity from 200 cP to 1,800 cP at 150° C., as measured inaccordance with ASTM D3236.
 7. The flooding composition of claim 6having a drop point greater than or equal to 90° C., as measured inaccordance with ASTM D127.
 8. The flooding composition of claim 1wherein the polysiloxane comprises a hydroxyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane; and the flooding composition further comprises acatalyst.
 9. The flooding composition of claim 8 wherein the floodingcomposition has an apparent viscosity from 300 cP to 1,800 cP.
 10. Theflooding composition of claim 8 wherein the flooding composition has adrop point from greater than or equal to 90° C. to 180° C. as measuredin accordance with ASTM D127.
 11. The flooding composition of claim 1wherein the flooding composition has no oil separation when aged for 24hours at 21° C. as measured in accordance with ASTM D1742.
 12. An fiberoptic cable comprising: a buffer tube; at least one optical fiber in thebuffer tube; and a flooding composition comprising from 20 wt % to 40 wt% of a polyolefin component comprising (i) a first amorphous polyolefin(APO), and (ii) a second APO different than the first APO; from 30 wt %to 60 wt % of a bio-based oil; and from 15 wt % to 45 wt % of apolysiloxane.